Dragons Shutout Warriors In Route To First Ever Playoff Victory
Team FYN Sports November 11, 2018
This past Friday, it was a cold, drizzly night in Pickens County as the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the White County Warriors for the 1st round of the GHSA 4-A State Playoffs. White County, came into the game as the #4 seed from region 7, while the Dragons came in as the #1 seed from region 6. These two teams met earlier in the season as you may recall, with Pickens coming away with a 42-35 win.
The Dragons, won the toss & deferred to the 2nd half. White County, would manage a first down on their opening possession, but that would be all the Dragons defense would give up. On offense, the Dragons used the ground game & capped off their opening drive with points as QB CJ Streicher got in from 9-yds out to make it 7-0 Pickens, with 7:30 to go in the 1st quarter. Pickens then came up big on defense as the Warriors decided to go for it inside Dragon territory & were unsuccessful. Two plays later, Streicher found Zach Goss streaking down the far sideline & the Senior did the rest as he took it to the house for an 83-yd touchdown. As we headed to the 2nd, the Dragons were on top, 14-0.
The Dragons would add to their lead at the 9:17 mark of the 2nd quarter after Senior Michael Burrell made several moves including a fancy spin at the end of his 8-yd touchdown run, making it 21-0. The defense for Pickens once again came up big as a pass attempt by the Warriors was deflected, & Senior Chase Jarrett made a diving grab to nab the interception. The Dragons turned that turnover into points when Brady Moore ran it in from 29-yds out to make it 28-0, with 5:40 left in the first half. Just before the end of the half, another Dragon Senior, Trevon Hawkins, punched it in from 1-yd out, giving Pickens a 35-0 lead over White County heading into the break.
There was only one scoring drive in the 2nd half and that came on a 5-yd touchdown run from Jarod Whitmore in the 3rd quarter. Pickens, wins it’s first ever playoff game, 42-0.
Next week, the Dragons will again be home for the 2nd round of the 4-A Playoffs as they will welcome the Troup County Tigers to Jasper. Troup, is 10-1 on the season, & the #2 seed out of region 5. This will be the first meeting between the two schools in football. Kickoff set for 7:30 pm.
Stats:
1st Downs: 11
3rd Down: 3/8
4th Down: 1/2
Total Yards: 397
Rush Yards: 239
Pass Yards: 158
Takeaways: 2 (1 interception, 1 fumble)
CJ Streicher: 6/8, 158 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 9 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 9 rushes, 58 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 17 yards, 6 tackles, 1 pass break up
Brady Moore: 7 rushes, 52 yards, 1 TD, 1 pass break up
Michael Burrell: 8 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 24 yards, 2 tackles, 3 punts, long of 53 yards, 1 inside the 20
Jarod Whitmore: 1 rushing TD
Zach Goss: 1 catch, 83 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Ray: 1 catch, 34 yards, 1 pass break up
Hunter Hermann: 7 tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 6 tackles, 3 for loss
Chase Nelson: 6 tackles
Andrew Macom: 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Jake Rogers: 5 tackles, 1 sack
Chase Jarrett: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception
Jose Sanchez: 6/6 on PAT
Dragons Shut Down Generals To Move To 7-0
Team FYN Sports October 7, 2018
Last Friday night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team, fresh off being named the High 5 Sports Team of the Week, hosted the Heritage Generals in a big 6-AAAA region match up. This was a big game for Pickens, not just because of the region implications,but because the Generals have come away the victors in the last two meetings.
The Generals, won the toss and wanted the ball to start the game on offense. The Dragon defense, would force a General punt attempt. Heritage, went for a fake punt, but Pickens had it sniffed out, & gave the Dragons offense good field position for their first possession of the game. That possession ended with a touchdown for Pickens as Junior QB CJ Streicher got in from 2-yds out, to make it 7-0 Dragons with 5:35 left in the first quarter. Pickens added to their lead just before the end of the 1st quarter after a 22-yd TD run from Michael Burrell, to make it 14-0 Dragons, going to the 2nd.
Pickens got back to work just 58 seconds into the 2nd quarter as Streicher lofted one up for Zach Goss, who made a great adjustment on the ball, and scored from 24-yds out to make it 21-0 with 11:02 left in the first half. Last week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week Trevon Hawkins added to the lead for Pickens with a 1-yd TD run to make it 27-0 Dragons with 9 minutes left in the 1st half. Much like the 1st quarter, the Dragons got points just before the end of the 2nd when Streicher tossed one up for Goss in the back of the end zone for a 6-yd TD to make it 34-0 Pickens over Heritage as we hit the half.
The only score in the 3rd quarter came from the Dragons, who got the ball first to start the 2nd half. Brady Moore capped off the drive with a 1-yd TD run to make it 41-0 Pickens going to the 4th. The only score in the 4th quarter also came from the Dragons as Dawson Turner scampered in from 6-yds out to make it 48-0. Your final score, 48-0 Pickens over Heritage.
Stats:
Total Yards: 437
Passing Yards: 139
Rushing Yards: 298
Takeaways: 2 interceptions
PAT: 6-7
CJ Streicher: 9-12, 139 yards, 2 TD, 11 rushes, 88 yards, 1 TD, 1 punt for 45 yards
Michael Burrell: 8 rushes, 90 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch, 19 yards
Dawson Turner: 4 rushes, 33 yards, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 3 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD, 5 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Brady Moore: 9 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD, 4 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Zach Goss: 3 catches, 57 yards, 2 TD’s
Hunter Hermann: 9 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 7 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass break up
Andrew Macom: 6 total tackles, 1 pass break up
Jay Jones: 5 total tackles, 1 interception
Kaleb Ray: 1 interception
Bailey Dispain: 1-1 on PAT
Jose Sanchez: 5-6 on PAT
6-AAAA Standings:
Pickens: 7-0 (3-0)
Ridgeland: 4-2 (2-0)
NW Whitfield: 4-2 (1-1)
Heritage: 2-5 (1-2)
LaFayette: 4-3 (1-2)
SE Whitfield: 3-4 (1-2)
Gilmer: 0-6 (0-2)
Next Week, the Dragons will take to the road to take on the Bruins of Northwest Whitfield in another major game that’ll have big implications heading towards the final stretch of the regular season. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons Defeat Bobcats, Off To A 5-0 Start For First Time Since ’86
Team FYN Sports September 23, 2018
Region play in 6-AAAA began last Friday night as the PHS Dragons varsity football team welcomed the Bobcats of Gilmer to Dragons Stadium for Homecoming. Pickens, came into the game looking to be 5-0 in a season for the first time since the 1986 season. That team, started 6-0, & finished the season 8-1-1. Prior to the game, PHS honored the fallen Gilmer Middle School principal, Larry Walker. The PHS band played a rendition of Taps & Amazing Grace, followed by the two teams coming together at midfield. After a moment of silence, we were ready to get the game underway.
The Dragons, won the toss and in a change up from recent weeks, decided to receive the opening kick off to begin the game. Pickens, wasted little time on their first possession scoring in just 35 seconds after a 23-yd TD run from senior Zach Goss to make it 7-0 with 11:25 left in the first. Junior QB CJ Streicher, added to the Dragons lead after a 52-yd TD run at the 2:51 mark of the 1st to make it 14-0 Dragons, going into the 2nd.
The Dragons, would find the end zone on the first play of the 2nd quarter after a 23-yd TD pass from Streicher to Brady Moore, to make it 21-0 with 11:55 left in the 1st half. Senior RB Robert Davis, found his way to the end zone after a 51-yd TD run to give the Dragons a 28-0 lead over the Bobcats with 9:31 left in the 1st half. Pickens added to the lead with a 6-yd TD run from Kaleb Ray, to make it 35-0 Dragons with 5:56 to go before the half. Streicher connected with Michael Burrell for a 31-yd TD at the 3:43 mark to give Pickens a 42-0 advantage. At the 2:40 mark, Streicher connected with Davis for and 18-yd TD, to make it 42-0 Dragons, going into the half.
The only scoring in the 2nd half came in the 3rd quarter. The Bobcats got on the board after a 16-yd TD run at the 6:17 mark, to make it 49-6 Dragons. With 47 seconds left in the 3rd, Jarod Whitmore scored for Pickens after a 27-yd run, to make it 55-6 Dragons. Final score, 55-6.
Stats:
1st Downs: 10
3rd Downs: 1/1
Total Yards: 518
Plays Ran: 33
Rushing Yards: 383
Passing Yards: 135
Takeaways: 1
CJ Streicher: 7/8 for 121 yards & 3 TD, 124 yards rushing, & 1 TD
Robert Davis: 4 rushes, 76 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD, 1 kick return for 14 yards
Kaleb Ray: 2 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD, 3 tackles, 2 pass break ups
Jarod Whitmore: 2 rushes, 32 yards, 1 TD, 4 tackles
Zach Goss: 1 rush, 23 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 29 yards
Michael Burrell: 1 catch, 31 yards, 1 TD, 2 tackles
Brady Moore: 1 catch, 23 yards, 1 TD, 5 tackles
Hunter Hermann: 9 tackles, 6 solo, 3 assists, 1 TFL
Sy Chadwick: 8 tackles, 2 solo, 6 assists
Jay Jones: 7 tackles, 2 solo, 5 assists, 1 pass break up
Clayton Holland: 7 tackles, 2 solo, 5 assists
Chase Jarrett: 6 tackles, 1 solo, 5 assists, 1 fumble recovery
Logan Joiner: 7/7 on PAT
Pickens, will be on the road next week for the first time since their pre-season scrimmage against Denmark on August 10th when they travel to Dalton to take on the Raiders of Southeast Whitfield. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons Defeat Chamblee To Move To 4-0, Start Region Play Against Gilmer Next Week
Team FYN Sports September 16, 2018
Last Friday, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the Bulldogs of Chamblee-Charter in the final non-region game before region action starts. Chamblee, is out of the 5-A classification.
Chamblee, got the ball to begin the game, & the Dragons defense was up to the task early of stopping their unique offense. Offensively, it didn’t take long for Pickens to get on the board as CJ Streicher connected with fellow Junior Alex Snelgrove on a 32-yd TD pass to give the Dragons the 7-0 lead, with 8:23 left in the 1st quarter. The Dragons would then make a play on Special Teams, by blocking a would be punt attempt from the Bulldogs, giving the offense great field position. The next play, Robert Davis would run it in from 16-yds out, & the Dragons held a 14-0 lead with 7:09 left in the opening quarter. Streicher, got in from 15-yds out after shaking off what seemed like 5 or 6 Chamblee defenders to get into the end zone, and stretch the Pickens lead out to 21-0 with 3:33 left in the 1st. Just before the 1st quarter came to an end, Streicher & Snelgrove connected again. This time, from 37-yds out to give the Dragons a 28-0 lead, heading to the 2nd.
The scoring continued for Pickens in the 2nd quarter as Davis found the end zone for the 2nd time after a 1-yd TD run to make it 35-0. At the 4:03 mark of the 2nd, Michael Burrell got in on the scoring as he would run it in from 9-yds out to give the Dragons a 42-0 as we’d go into halftime.
In the 3rd, Burrell, added his 2nd rushing TD on the night after a 45-yd scamper to the end zone at the 9:44 mark to give the Dragons a 49-0 lead. Chamblee, got on the board not long after that at the 9:05 mark after a 65-yd TD run. The Dragons were able to block the PAT attempt, making it 49-6 Pickens. 49-6 would be the final score in this one as the Dragons finish the non-region portion of their schedule at 4-0.
Stats:
1st Downs: 11
3rd Downs: 5/6
Total Yards: 444
Rushing Yards: 317
Passing Yards: 127
Takeaways: 1 INT
CJ Streicher: 6-8, 110 yards, 2 TD, 6 rushes, 68 yards, 1 TD, 1 punt for 32 yards
Michael Burrell: 1-1, 16 yards, 3 rushes, 54 yards, 2 TD, 1 tackles, 1 assist, 1 INT
Kaleb Ray: 2 rushes, 61 yards, 2 catches, 26 yards, 3 tackles, 3 assists, 1 pass break up, 1 kick return for 31 yards
Robert Davis: 4 rushes, 30 yards, 2 TD
Alex Snelgrove: 4 catches, 90 yards, 2 TD
Hunter Hermann: 8 tackles, 6 solo, 2 assists, 1 tackle for loss
Hunter Weaver: 7 tackles, 2 solo, 5 assists
Sy Chadwick: 4 tackles, 1 solo, 3 assists
Dalton Elrod: 4 tackles, 2 solo, 2 assists
Daniel Parnes, Dallas McHale, James Sparks: 1 sack each
Logan Joiner: 4/4 on PAT
Jose Sanchez: 2/2 on PAT
Bailey Dispain: 1/1 on PAT
Pickens will once again be at home next week for the 5th game in a row as they begin 6-AAAA play. The Dragons will welcome the Bobcats of Gilmer to Dragons Stadium for Homecoming next Friday night. Kick off is at 7:30.
Dragons Finish Regular Season Undefeated, Turn Focus To Playoffs
Team FYN Sports October 28, 2018
Soggy weather was the theme this past Friday as the PHS varsity football team traveled up to Walker County, to take on the LaFayette Ramblers for their regular season finale. Pickens, by virtue of their win last week against Ridgeland, clinched the 6-AAAA crown, but was looking for another PHS first, an undefeated season. To do that, they would have to get by a much improved Rambler team.
LaFayette, got the ball to start the ball game and looked to get something good going early for their Senior Night. On a 3rd & long play, the Rambler QB scrambled to his left and found a receiver down the field, who would then take it 76-yds for the score at the 10:47 mark to make it 7-0 LaFayette. The Dragons, were able to drive down on their first possession, & tie things up after a 10-yd TD run for Robert Davis, to make it 7-7, with 7:27 to go in the 1st quarter. Pickens took the lead after a little trickery when QB CJ Streicher handed it off to Michael Burrell, who acted like he was running a reverse. Instead, Burrell stops, & throws back to a wide open Streicher for a 15-yd touchdown. Pickens tried a two point conversion, but were unsuccessful. We would go to the 2nd, Dragons ahead, 13-7.
The Dragons, added to their lead early on in the 2nd quarter when Streicher threw a lob pass & Zach Goss, was able to haul it in & get a foot down in the back of the end zone for the 16-yd score at the 10:36 mark of the 2nd. Dragons led, 20-7. The Ramblers, had a good drive of their own, and capped it off with points after a 5-yd TD run at the 6 minute mark of the 2nd. The PAT was ruled no good, so Pickens held a 20-13 advantage. The Dragons, were able to march down the field and end their drive with 6 after a 23-yd TD run from Davis. Davis’ 2nd touchdown of the night gave Pickens a 27-13 lead with 4:20 left in the first half. At the 2:39 mark, the Dragons defense came up with a big play as Burrell, playing corner, tipped a pass to himself, & took it 20 yards for the touchdown. Making it 34-13 Pickens. Just before the half ended, Brady Moore was able to get in from 2-yds out, to make it 41-13 Dragons, going to the break.
There were only two scores in the 2nd half & both came in the 3rd quarter. The first, came at the 6:27 mark when Alex Snelgrove, got in from 2-yds out to make it 48-13. LaFayette, found the end zone just before the quarter ended after a 10-yd run. Your final score for the evening, Dragons 48 Ramblers 19.
Region Standings:
Pickens: 10-0 (6-0) Region champions
Ridgeland: 6-3 (4-1) clinched 2nd seed
NW Whitfield: 6-3 (3-2) play Heritage next week for 3rd/4th
Heritage: 4-5 (3-2) play NW Whitfield next week for 3rd/4th
LaFayette: 4-5 (1-5)
SE Whitfield: 3-6 (1-5)
Gilmer: 0-9 (0-5)
Stats:
1st Downs: 17
3rd Down: 7/12
4th Down: 2/3
Total Yards: 390
Rush Yards: 234
Pass Yards: 156
Takeways: 4 (2 INT, 2 fumble recoveries)
CJ Streicher: 7/18, 114 yards, 1 TD, 8 rushes, 52 yards, 1 catch, 15 yards, 1 TD
Michael Burrell: 1/1, 15 yards, 1 TD, 1 rush, 15 yards, 4 tackles, 1 INT, 1 Def. TD, 2 punts, 78 yards, 1 inside 20
Robert Davis: 4 rushes, 66 yards, 2 TD
Brady Moore: 6 rushes, 31 yards, 1 TD
Alex Snelgrove: 2 rushes, 9 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 3 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Ray: 3 catches, 37 yards, 4 tackles, 1 INT
Hunter Hermann: 7 tackles
Trevon Hawkins: 6 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Chase Jarrett: 6 tackles
Jay Jones: 5 tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 4 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Andrew Macom: 3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Jose Sanchez: 6/6 on PAT
The Dragons, have completed their regular season, finishing 10-0 for the first time in school history. With a bye week this upcoming week, the Dragons next game will be in the 1st round of the State 4A playoffs on November 9th at home at 7:30 pm. Their opponent, is still to be determined. There is a possibility that the region 7 #4 seed, will come down to a 3-way tiebreaker if West Hall defeats Chestatee, Denmark loses to Flowery Branch, & White County loses to Blessed Trinity this Friday. Denmark, West Hall, & White County would all then be tied for 4th place. All three of those teams defeated each other during the season. How they will determine who gets the 4th seed, is unknown.
#TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week For Game 9: Kaleb Ray
Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports October 21, 2018This week’s #TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week is Senior Kaleb Ray. Kaleb, plays almost everywhere for the Dragons. On offense he plays receiver & running back, on defense he plays corner, & he’s a big part of special teams. Kaleb came up big this past Friday against Ridgeland with the 6-AAAA region championship hanging in the balance. Ray, had two momentum shifting plays back to back. First, with Pickens leading 17-14 in the 2nd quarter, the Panthers lined up for a field goal to tie the game. Ray, came off the left side of the line, & blocked the would be attempt. On the very next play, QB CJ Streicher found Ray open down the left sideline & he took it to the house for a 73-yd touchdown, Giving the Dragons a 24-14 lead. On the night, Ray had 15 yards rushing. 13 of those yardscame on one play and resulted in a 1st down, had 1 catch for a 73-yd touchdown, made 2 tackles on defense & broke one pass attempt up, gained 24 yards on a kick off return, & blocked a field goal.
The Dragons are 9-0 for the first time in school history & have won their first ever region title. They will be back in action next Friday in LaFayette as they take on the Ramblers to close out the regular season. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Historic Season For Pickens Football Ends In 2nd Round Of The Playoffs
Team FYN Sports November 18, 2018
It had been a season of firsts for the PHS Dragons football team. First undefeated regular season, first region championship, & after last week, first state playoff win. Last Friday, was another first. First time playing in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Their opponent? The Troup County Tigers. Troup came into the game 10-1, & they represented region 5 as the #2 seed. This was the first ever meeting between these two schools in football.
The Tigers, took the opening kickoff deep into Dragon territory to begin the game. A 26-yd run at the 10:55 mark of the opening quarter gave Troup the 7-0 lead. Troup, would then recover a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, & score on the next play after a 31-yd run to make it 14-0, with 10:41 left in the 1st quarter. The Dragons, started building a drive as they crossed midfield & looked to cut into the Tiger lead. Troup, intercepted a pass by CJ Streicher, & would score to make it 21-0, with 8:38 to go in the 1st quarter. The Tigers, would again find the end zone after a 70-yd pass, to make it 28-0 Troup, going to the 2nd.
Troup scored twice in the 2nd quarter. Once after a 4-yd run, & once after a 46-yd run. Pickens, would find the end zone for the first time after a good drive & a 38-yd touchdown run from Senior Michael Burrell, that brought the crowd to their feet. Troup County led the Dragons, 41-7, at the half.
The Tigers added two scores in the 3rd. a 4-yd run, & a 51-yd pass to make it 53-7, going to the 4th. In the 4th, Burrell would find the end zone again as he was able to punch it in from a yard out. Your final, Troup 53, Pickens 14.
Stats:
1st Downs: 19
3rd Down: 4/14
4th Down: 1/4
Total Yards: 359
Rush Yards: 221
Pass Yards: 138
CJ Streicher: 11/25, 138 yards, 19 rushes, 44 yards
Michael Burrell: 13 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TDs, 2 catches, 23 yards, 4 tackles, 6 punts, 244 yards, 3 inside the 20
Trevon Hawkins: 9 rushes, 50 yards, 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 blocked PAT, 4 kick returns for 74 yards
Hunter Hermann: 7 tackles
Andrew Macom: 7 tackles
Jay Jones: 6 tackles, 1 pass break up
Dallas McHale: 5 tackles
Kaleb Ray: 5 tackles
Jose Sanchez: 2/2 on PAT
Pickens Captures First Region Title With Senior Night Win Over Ridgeland
Team FYN Sports October 20, 2018
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the Ridgeland Panthers for Senior Night. Not only was it Senior Night, it was a region championship game. With Pickens sitting at 4-0, & Ridgeland sitting at 3-0 in the region, this became the deciding game for the 6-AAAA crown. Prior to the ball game, the Seniors for the team, cheerleaders, & band were all recognized. The most special one, was Jordan Simonds. Simonds, lost his life in an automobile accident last year. This would’ve been his Senior year. Jordan’s mother, Jessica, represented him. She was surrounded by Jordan’s fellow Seniors, & was presented a bouquet of flowers. The Simond’s family has set up a Memorial Scholarship fund in his name. If you haven’t already, please go contribute in any way you can.
Pickens won the toss, but elected to defer to the 2nd half, giving Ridgeland’s speedy offense first possession. After a big loss on 3rd down, the Panthers were forced to punt from the back of their own end zone. The Dragons took over at the Ridgeland 30-yd line. It took Pickens one play from scrimmage to find points as the Dragons worked the double pass to perfection. CJ Streicher sent it over to Michael Burrell, then Burrell connected with a wide open Brady Moore for a 30-yd TD pass, giving the Dragons a 7-0 lead, with 11:27 to go in the 1st. Pickens looked to catch the Panthers off guard again with a surprise onside attempt, but were unable to recover it. Ridgeland used the good starting field position to drive down the field, & cap it off with a 3-yd TD run to make it 7-7 with 9:59 left in the 1st. Ridgeland then took the lead after a 47-yd TD pass, to make it 14-7, with 7:45 left in the opening quarter. The Dragons, were able to drive down the field, and get a 21-yd field goal from Jose Sanchez to make it 14-10 Ridgeland, going to the 2nd.
Pickens, regained the lead at the 9:36 mark of the 2nd quarter after Robert Davis barreled his way in from 7-yds out, to make it 17-14. Ridgeland, looked to tie things up with a long field goal attempt, but Kaleb Ray came swooping from the left side and blocked the kick, giving the Dragons possession at their own 27-yd line. On the very next play, Streicher found an open Ray near the sideline & he took it 73-yds for the score, giving Pickens a 24-14 lead, as we’d head into halftime.
The Dragons, got the ball to start the 2nd half, & methodically drove it down the field, chewing up nearly half of the 3rd quarter on their first drive. The drive ended with Davis getting into the end zone from 13-yds out after nearly losing it prior to scoring. That made it 31-14 Dragons, going to the 4th. The defense for Pickens, as they have all season long, really stepped up in the 2nd half shutting down the high powered Panther offense. Ridgeland’s only other score came with 19 seconds left to go in the game. Your final in this one, Pickens 31, Ridgeland 21. With the win, Pickens secures it’s first region championship in school history.
Region Standings:
Pickens: 9-0 (5-0) 6-AAAA region champions
Ridgeland: 5-3 (3-1)
Heritage: 4-5 (3-2)
NW Whitfield: 5-3 (2-2)
LaFayette: 4-4 (1-3)
SE Whitfield: 3-5 (1-3)
Gilmer: 0-8 (0-4)
Stats:
1st Downs: 19
3rd Down: 7/15
4th Down: 3/4
Total Yards: 455
Rush Yards: 323
Pass Yards: 132
CJ Streicher: 2/7, 102 yards, 1 TD, 29 rushes, 151 yards,
Michael Burrell: 1/1, 30 yards, 1 TD, 6 rushes, 30 yards, 3 tackles, 3 punts for 109 yards
Robert Davis: 13 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD, 1 catch, 29 yards, 2 kick returns for 47 yards
Kaleb Ray: 1 catch, 73 yards, 1 TD, 2 tackles, 1 pass break up, 1 blocked field goal, 1 kick return, 24 yards
Brady Moore: 1 catch, 30 yards, 1 TD, 8 tackles
Trevon Hawkins: 16 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass break up, 7 rushes, 31 yards
Dallas McHale: 8 tackles
Andrew Macom: 7 tackles, 6 solo, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass break ups
Hunter Hermann: 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass break up
Jose Sanchez: 4/4 on PAT, 1 field goal from 21 yards
Pickens, will look to complete it’s first ever undefeated season next week when they travel to Walker County to take on the LaFayette Ramblers. Game time is set for 7:30.
Dragons Pick Up Region Win In First Road Game, Now 6-0 On The Season
Team FYN Sports September 29, 2018
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team took to the road for the first time in the regular season as they took on the Southeast Whitfield Raiders in a 6-AAAA region match up. Pickens, came into the game winners of 5 straight, 5-0 for the first time since 1986, & looking to continue their fast start to the season.
Pickens won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half, giving the home standing Raiders the first shot on offense. The Dragon defense got a stop, & the offense for Pickens took over. Michael Burrell capped off their opening drive with a 6-yd TD run to make it 7-0 Dragons with 9:13 left in the first quarter. Nearly 3 minutes later, Pickens added to that lead after a 29-yd TD pass from CJ Streicher to an open Robert Davis made it 14-0 Dragons with 6:10 left in the opening quarter. Southeast Whitfield was able to cut the lead in half with a 2-yd TD run & as we’d go to the 2nd quarter, Pickens held a 14-7 lead over the Raiders.
Streicher, got into the end zone with a 2-yd run of his own to make it a two score game again, 21-7, with 8:32 left in the first half. The only other score in the 2nd quarter came after a beautiful throw from Streicher to Alex Snelgrove from 28-yds out to make it 28-7 Dragons, going to the break.
The Dragons, got the ball to start the 2nd half and at the 9:39 mark of the 3rd, added to their lead after a 5-yd TD run from Brady Moore, to make it 35-7. Davis, added a 1-yd rushing touchdown to his night to go along with his receiving touchdown in the 1st half at the 6:33 mark of the 3rd, to make it 42-7 Pickens. To cap off the 3rd quarter, Streicher would add his 3rd passing TD of the night as he threw a strike to Zach Goss. After Goss made one man miss, he was into the end zone from 25-yds out, to make it 49-7 Dragons over Southeast Whitfield, going to the 4th.
The lone score in the 4th, came from the Raiders after a 7-yd TD run. Your final score for the game was 49-13, Dragons.
Stats:
1st Downs: 16
3rd Down: 4/6
Total Yards: 456
Rush Yards: 265
Pass Yards: 191
Takeaways: 1 interception
CJ Streicher: 9/14, 191 yards, 3 TD, 6 rushes, 47 yards, 1 TD, 1 punt for 36 yards
Brady Moore: 7 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD, 3 tackles, 1 pass break up
Robert Davis: 6 rushes, 69 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch, 29 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 4 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
Alex Snelgrove: 2 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, 3 tackles
Trevon Hawkins: 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Hunter Hermann: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Dallas McHale: 7 tackles
Kaleb Ray: 7 tackles, & 1 pass break up
Jay Jones: Andrew Macom, & Clayton Holland with 6 tackles each
Logan Joiner: 7/7 on PAT
Pickens, will be back home next Friday as they take on the Generals of Heritage in another big 6-AAAA region game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Dragons Now 8-0 After Big Road Win Over Northwest Whitfield
Team FYN Sports October 14, 2018
This past Friday night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team traveled to Northwest Whitfield to take on the Bruins in a crucial region ball game. The past couple of seasons, the Bruins have gotten the better of the Dragons, winning the last 3 match ups. Pickens looked to end that streak & stay atop the 6-AAAA standings.
The Northwest Whitfield Bruins got the ball first on offense. The Dragon defense came out aggressive & forced the Bruins to punt. The first possession for Pickens ended with 6 as the offense drove down the field, & the drive was capped off by a 2-yd TD run for CJ Streicher to put the Dragons ahead, 7-0, with 7:53 left in the opening quarter. The Dragon defense again came up with a big stop, & gave the offense good field position to work with. Pickens again marched down the field & would score after a 2-yd TD pass from Streicher to Hunter Hermann, who was all alone in the back of the end zone. Going to the 2nd quarter, the Dragons held a 14-0 advantage.
In the 2nd, the Dragons added to their lead after the defense again set them up with prime field position & Robert Davis would find the end zone from 4-yds out, to give Pickens a 21-0 lead, with 7:43 left in the 1st half. Streicher scored his 2nd rushing TD of the game 6:14 mark of the 2nd quarter to make it 28-0. This score, again was set up by a swarming defense. After a big kick off return, the Bruins got their first points of the game after a 9-yd run at the 5:05 mark of the 2nd. Northwest Whitfield tried to catch the Dragons off guard by using the swinging gate formation & tried to go for 2, but Pickens had it figured out from the start & stopped it. Giving us a score of 28-6. Just before the first half came to an end, the Dragons looked to add to their lead and add to it they did. Streicher connected with Zach Goss from 34-yds out to give Pickens a 35-6 lead at the break.
The Dragons, got the ball to start the 2nd half, & wasted little time picking up where they left off in the first half. Streicher & Goss hooked up for the 2nd time on the night, this time from 53-yds out. Pickens, took a 41-6 lead with 10:02 left in the 3rd. Davis, got his 2nd score of the night at the 5:50 mark of the 3rd as he was able to get in from 5-yds out, to make it 48-6. Another good kick off return by the Bruins helped set them up for a score as they got in after a 6-yd pass to make it 48-13 Dragons going to the 4th.
Pickens, got the only points in the 4th as Jarod Whitmore got past several Bruin defenders to score from 20-yds out. The final score in this one would be 55-13, Pickens.
Region Standings:
Pickens: 8-0 (4-0)
Ridgeland: 5-2 (3-0)
Heritage: 3-5 (2-2)
NW Whitfield: 4-3 (1-2)
SE Whitfield: 3-4 (1-2)
LaFayette: 4-4 (1-3)
Gilmer: 0-7 (0-3)
Stats:
1st Downs: 20
3rd Down: 7/10
4th Down: 2/2
Total Yards: 540
Rush Yards: 363
Pass Yards: 177
Takeaways: 1
CJ Streicher: 8/12 for 177 yards, 3 TD’s, 16 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 punt, 35 yards
Robert Davis: 14 rushes, 104 yards, 2 TD’s
Brady Moore: 6 rushes, 48 yards, 5 tackles, 4 solo
Anthony Jones: 2 rushes, 39 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 4 rushes, 34 yards, 5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 pass break ups
Jarod Whitmore: 2 rushes, 21 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 2 catches, 87 yards, 2 TD’s
Kaleb Ray: 3 catches, 38 yards, & 4 tackles, 1 pass break up
Michael Burell: 1 catch, 34 yards, & 1 pass break up
Alex Snelgrove: 1 catch, 16 yards, & 2 tackles, 1 interception
Hunter Hermann: 1 catch, 2 yards, 1 TD & 7 tackles, 1 pass break up
Clayton Holland: 6 tackles
Dallas McHale: 6 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass break up
Andrew Macom: 4 tackles
Jose Sanchez: 7/7 on PAT
Next week, the Dragons will host the Ridgeland Panthers. This game, will more than likely determine the region champion for 6-AAAA. Kick off is set to start at 7:30.
Run Game & Defense Propel Pickens Past Pepperell In Battle Of Dragons
Team FYN Sports September 2, 2018
This past Friday, the Pickens Dragons, welcomed the Pepperell Dragons to, you guess it, Dragons Stadium, for a non-region showdown. Pepperell, is out of the 2A classification. This was the 11th meeting all time between these two teams dating back to 1958. Pepperell, had gotten the better of Pickens in the first 10 meetings, going 9-0-1. The tie came in the first game in 1958. After a big win over Stone Mountain two weeks ago, the Dragons of Pickens looked to continue the early momentum built in this 2018 season. Prior to the game, Michael Burrell & Haley Aiken were named Mr & Miss PHS for the 2018-19 school year.
The Pepperell Dragons, won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half. That meant the Dragons from Pickens, would get first crack at points. Pepperell collected the first turnover of the game as they picked off a CJ Streicher pass intended for Zach Goss & took it deep inside Pickens territory. The defense for Pickens stepped up after being backed up near their own goal line, & forced Pepperell into a field goal attempt. The field goal attempt was pushed left, & the Dragons of Pickens, would take back over on offense. Last week’s TeamFYNSports Sports Writer Player Of The Week Brady Moore, provided the first points of the game after a 12-yd TD run at the 6:33 mark, making it 7-0 Pickens. Just as the 2nd quarter got underway, Robert Davis took a hand off and plowed his way in from 4-yds out to make it 14-0 Pickens with 11:55 to go in the first half. Streicher, would then barrel his way into the end zone from 12-yds out. Making it 21-0 Pickens over Pepperell, as we hit halftime.
Pepperell, wasted little time to get on the board to start the 3rd quarter. Pepperell used a 13-yd TD pass to score their first points of the game, making it 21-7 Pickens, with 10:48 to go in the 3rd. Pickens answered that score, with a touchdown of their own as Streicher found the end zone for the 2nd time. This score came from 2-yds out, giving Pickens a three score lead, 28-7, with 7:32 left in the 3rd. 3 minutes & 12 seconds later, Streicher again was in the end zone with another 2-yd TD run, giving him three on the evening. Pickens was able to score two points on a conversion after a mishap on the PAT attempt. They led Pepperell 36-7 with 4:20 to go in the 3rd. Pepperell, scored near the end of the 3rd after a 6-yd TD run to make it 36-14 Pickens, going to the 4th. The final score of the night came after a 7-yd TD run for Jarod Whitmore to make what would be your final score, 43-14 Pickens.
STATS
First Downs: 21
Third Down: 9-13
Fourth Down: 1-1
Total Yards: 448
Rushing Yards: 382
Passing Yards: 66
Total Takeaways: 2 (1 fumble, 1 interception)
CJ Streicher: 1-2 for 45 yards, 1 catch for 21 yards, 24 rushes, 144 yards, 3 TD, 1 punt for 39 yards
Michael Burrell: 1-1 for 21 yards, 3 rushes, 25 yards, 2 tackles, 1 INT
Trevon Hawkins: 14 rushes, 52 yards, 5 tackles, 1 punt return for 16 yards, 1 kick return for 19 yards
Brady Moore: 6 rushes, 50 yards, 1 TD, 4 tackles, 1 pass breakup
Robert Davis: 9 rushes, 50 yards, 1 TD
Jarod Whitmore: 7 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble recovery
Zach Goss: 1 catch for 45 yards
Hunter Hermann: 10 total tackles, 2 TFL
Clayton Holland: 6 total tackles
Kaleb Ray: 6 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup
Jay Jones: 5 total tackles
Andrew Macom: 5 total tackles, 1 sack
Logan Joiner: 5/5 on PAT
Jose Sanchez: 6 kickoffs, 5 touch backs
Pickens, will once again be home next Friday as they welcome a former region opponent. The White County Warriors will come to Jasper for another non-region game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.
Dragons Finish Regular Season At 5-5, Play In Mini-Game Monday For Playoff Spot
Team FYN Sports November 4, 2017
On what was a rainy, turned foggy evening last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team traveled to take on the Heritage Generals. Coming into the game, Pickens sat 3rd in the region at 3-2, while Heritage was just ahead at 4-1. The winner, would finish 2nd in the region, & host the 1st round of the state playoffs next week.
Pickens won the toss, but elected to differ to the 2nd half. Heritage, with the help of some costly penalties, got on the board first with a 1-yd TD run at the 9:51 mark of the opening quarter to take a 7-0 lead. That would be the only scoring done in the 1st quarter and we would head to the 2nd quarter with the Generals ahead, 7-0. Both teams were trading possessions back and forth in the 2nd quarter until Heritage intercepted a pass and took it all the way to the end zone to increase the lead to 14-0 with 5:22 left in the 1st half. The Generals again added to their lead at the 3:37 mark with a 9-yd TD run to make it 21-0. After nearly missing on several prior chances, Senior QB Jacob Brumby connected down the middle of the field to an open Zach Goss for a 56-yd TD pass at the 1:09 mark of the first half. However, Heritage would strike just before the half with a 35-yd TD pass to give us a halftime score of 28-7 in favor of the Generals.
The Dragons, came out battling in the 3rd quarter as they’re opening drive of the 2nd half lasted over 6 minutes, & was capped off by a 1-yd TD run from Sophomore C.J. Streicher to make it 28-14 with 5:46 left in the 3rd. Then, the Pickens defense would step up as Brady Moore picked off a pass attempt that was short of it’s intended target, & set up the Dragons with good field position after a nice return. The esuing drive stalled however & we would head to the 4th with Heritage leading, 28-14.
A pair of 1-yd TD runs from the Generals at the 11:47 & 7:13 marks of the 4th, gave Heritage a 42-14 lead over the Dragons. Pickens would not go quietly however as Brumby found fellow Senior Josh Cain on a well designed screen play & Cain would take it into the end zone from 28-yds out to make it 42-21 with 4:05 left in the game. The Generals, would score late in the game with a 13-yd TD run to give us a final of 49-21.
Stats:
19 1st downs, 2/12 on 3rd down, 2/5 on 4th down, 399 total yards on 71 plays, 157 rushing yards, 242 passing yards. Defense forced 4 turnovers. 3 fumbles & 1 interception
Passing:
Jacob Brumby: 16-27, 242 yards, 2 TD & 53 yards rushing on 14 carries
Rushing:
Robert Davis: 14 carries, 83 yards
C.J. Streicher: 7 carries, 49 yards
Receiving:
Josh Cain: 6 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD
Zach Goss: 2 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Ray: 2 catches, 42 yards
Robert Davis: 3 catches, 20 yards
C.J. Streicher: 2 catches, 14 yards
Michael Burrell: 1 catch, 14 yards
Defense:
Brady Moore: 8 total tackles, 6 solo, 2 assists, 1 TFL, 1 INT, & 1 fumble recovery
Hunter Hermann: 7 total tackles, 6 solo, 1 assist, 1 TFL, & 1 forced fumble
Kaleb Ray: 6 total tackles, 6 solo, & 1 forced fumble
Trevon Hawkins: 6 total tackles, 3 solo, & 3 assists
Alex Snelgrove: 5 total tackles, 5 solo, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, & 1 pass break up
Special Teams:
Michael Burrell: 5 punts, 184 yards, 36.8 yard average, long of 47, & 1 inside the 20. 3/3 on PAT
Kaleb Ray: 2 kick returns, 51 yards
Josh Cain: 2 kick returns, 35 yards
Robert Davis: 2 kick returns, 31 yards
With the loss, Pickens finishes the regular season at 5-5, & in a tie for 3rd in the region at 3-3. Due to the 3-way tie, Pickens, Northwest, & Southeast Whitfield will play in a mini-playoff on Monday at 7 p.m. at North Murray. Pickens and Northwest Whitfield will play first. The winner, will be in the playoffs. The loser of that first game, will then play Southeast Whitfield. Winner of that game will be in the playoffs. The loser, will finish 5th in the region.
Dragons Get Big Win On Senior Night, Sets Up Huge Game With Heritage
Team FYN Sports October 28, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the LaFayette Ramblers for Senior Night. Pickens, needed a win to stay in the thick of the playoff race coming down the stretch of the season. Prior to the game, the seniors from the football team, cheerleaders, & band were recognized for the contributions during their time at PHS. Another special presentation that happened prior to kick off, was PHS presenting the family of the late Shawn Mask with his Letterman’s jacket.
LaFayette won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick to get the game started. The Pickens defense was able to get the Rambler offense off the field & it would be the Dragons turn to find the first points. Those first points of the game were scored by Junior RB Robert Davis after a 5-yd run to make it 7-0 Pickens with 7:11 left in the opening quarter. The Dragons found the end zone again in the 1st quarter, this time, through the air as Senior QB Jacob Brumby connected with Sophomore C.J. Streicher from 49-yds out for the TD. After one quarter of play, the Dragons held a 13-0 lead over LaFayette.
Pickens got on the board for the first time in the 2nd quarter at the 10:22 mark after a 7-yd TD pass from Brumby to Junior Zach Goss to make it 20-0. After Senior Zach Swaim recovered a fumble & took it to the 7-yd line, fellow Senior Jacob Brumby finished it off on the next play with a 7-yd TD run to make it 27-0 Dragons with 8:08 left in the half. After nearly scoring on the previous play, Senior WR Josh Cain finished off another scoring drive for Pickens with a 1-yd TD run to make it 34-0 Dragons with 5:14 left in the half. The Dragons were getting it done defensively on the night as well. Junior Trevon Hawkins, took the ball away from the LaFayette runner & ran it back for the score to make it 41-0 Pickens with 4:53 left in the half. On the ensuing LaFayette drive, the Ramblers were looking for points prior to halftime. However, Kaleb Ray timed his jump, & made a great catch in the end zone to give the ball back to the Dragons. Pickens would turn that interception into points as Brumby connected with Streicher once again. This time, from 6-yds out to make it 48-0 Dragons at the half.
The Dragons picked up where they left off in the 1st half as they started the 3rd quarter with the football, & ended their first drive of the 2nd half with points as Streicher (now in at QB), strolled in from 7-yds out for his 3rd TD of the game & we would head to the 4th, with Pickens ahead of LaFayette, 55-0. The Ramblers got their first points of the game at the 10:27 mark of the 4th after a 4-yd TD run to make it 55-7 Dragons. The ensuing kickoff was a short pooch kick, & it was fielded by Hawkins, who then took it the distance for the touchdown making it 62-7 Pickens. Your final from Jasper would be 62-7.
With the win, the Dragons move closer to securing a playoff spot. With Southeast Whitfield’s win over Northwest Whitfield last night, that puts Pickens in 3rd for the moment. Next week, the Dragons will travel to Heritage to take on the Generals in what is more than likely, the biggest game of the whole region schedule. With a win next week over Heritage, the Dragons will vault into the #2 seed of region 6, & host a playoff game. A loss, makes things a lot more crowded & a lot more complicated.
Dragons Fall In The 1st Round Of The State Playoffs To Cartersville
Team FYN Sports November 12, 2017
This past Friday, on a cool, brisk evening, the PHS varsity football team travled down to Cartersville to take on the top seed from region 5, the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes in the first round of the GHSA 4-A State football playoffs. This would be the 21st meeting all time between the two schools.
Pickens, won the toss and elected to receive to start the ball game. After several first downs on a good opening drive, the Dragons were forced to punt. The Canes got on the board first at the 6:45 mark after a 17-yd TD pass making it 7-0 Cartersville in the opening quarter. Cartersville added to the lead at the 3:23 mark of the 1st quarter with a 41-yd TD pass making it 14-0. The Canes would score just before the end of the 1st quarter with a 4-yd TD pass giving us a score of 21-0 Cartersville after one.
In the 2nd quarter, Cartersville would again add to their lead after a 1-yd TD run to make it 28-o with 9:16 left in the first half. Pickens nearly snagged a fumble in the end zone after a long completion from the Canes, but were unable to secure it as Cartersville was able to fall on it and make it 35-0 at the 4:43 mark of the 2nd quarter. The Canes would score again just prior to halftime with a 51-yd TD pass to give us a score of 42-o.
In the 2nd half, things started picking up for the Dragons. After a high snap, the Dragons pounced on the loose ball, then a fumble occured, then a quick thinking Hunter Hermann scooped up that fumble, and took it into the end zone for the score to make it 42-7 Canes with 10:18 left in the 3rd. Cartersville scored on a 19-yd TD pass to make it 48-7 Canes as we headed to the 4th.
In the 4th, Pickens would find the end zone twice. This time, with the offense. The first score in the 4th came from Robert Davis. Davis was able to sneak through the left side of the defense for a 6-yd TD run at the 8:21 mark to make it 48-14. The 2nd score, was set up by a beautiful punt return that Davis nearly took all the way. Jacob Brumby finished it off with a 3-yd TD run to make the score 48-21. Your final in this one, 48-21 Cartersville.
Final Season Stats:
215 first downs, 49/116 on 3rd down, 15/32 on 4th down, 5,193 total yards (school record), 429 total points (school record), 2,675 rushing yards, 2,518 passing yards, 26 total takeaways, 17 fumble recoveries, 9 INT’s
Passing:
Jacob Brumby: 172-290, 59.3%, 2,457 yards, 22 TD’s, 8 INT
Rushing:
Robert Davis: 123 rushes, 1,148 yards, 9.3 ypc, 14 TD, long of 80
C.J. Streicher: 72 rushes, 523 yards, 7.3 ypc, 7 TD, long of 45
Jacob Brumby: 110 rushes, 417 yards, 3.8 ypc, 4 TD, long of 25
Trevon Hawkins: 40 rushes, 296 yards, 7.4 ypc, 5 TD, long of 82
Brady Moore: 13 rushes, 116 yards, 8.9 ypc, 2 TD, long of 52
Receiving:
Zach Goss Jr: 45 catches, 856 yards (single season record), 19.0 ypc, 15 TD’s (single season record), long of 56
Josh Cain: 34 catches, 421 yards, 12.4 ypc, 2 TD, long of 28
Robert Davis: 33 catches, 403 yards, 12.2 ypc, 1 TD, long of 60
Alex Snelgrove: 25 catches, 322 yards, 12.9 ypc, 2 TD, long of 36
Trevon Hawkins: 12 catches, 201 yards, 16.8 ypc, long of 51
Defense:
Hunter Hermann: 121 total tackles, 73 solo, 48 assists, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 78 total tackles, 53 solo, 25 assists, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD
Jay Jones: 78 total tackles, 35 solo, 43 assists, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 pass break ups
Boz Gayden: 69 total tackles, 37 solo, 32 assists, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass break up
Kaleb Ray: 48 total tackles, 35 solo, 13 assists, 4 INT, 2 forced fumbles, 8 pass break ups, 1 block
Special Teams:
Michael Burrell: 33 punts, 1,142 yards, 34.6 yd average, long of 53, 5 inside the 20, 52-58 on PAT
Punt Return:
Trevon Hawkins: 8 returns, 111 yards, 13.9 average, long of 28
Robert Davis: 6 returns, 77 yards, 12.8 average, long of 43
C.J. Streicher: 3 returns, 68 yards, 22.7 average, long of 47, 1 TD
Kick Return:
Robert Davis: 19 returns, 460 yards, 24.2 average, long of 94, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 9 returns, 249 yards, 27.7 average, long of 74, 1 TD
Season Records:
Jacob Brumby: total offense (2,874), passing yds (2,457), completions (172), passing TD’s (22)
Zach Goss: yards receiving (856), receiving TD’s (15), 2nd in receptions with 45
Robert Davis: kick return yards (460)
Michael Burrell: 52 makes on PAT puts him 2nd for a season
Career Records:
Jacob Brumby: all time leader in passing yards (4,432), completions (318), passing TD’s (33)
Zach Goss: all time leader in receiving yards (1,318) just a Junior
Dragons Get Big Win On The Road In Season Opener
Team FYN Sports August 20, 2017
On Friday evening, the PHS varsity football team traveled to Alpharetta to take on the 6-A Chattahoochee Cougars in the 1st official game of the 2017 season. As you may recall, the Cougars came up to Jasper last year, as Pickens came away with a win their 49-19, their first against an “Atlanta” area school. Last night, the Dragons looked to do it again.
Chattahoochee would win the toss and elect to receive the opening kickoff of the 2017 season. The Dragons were able to make the defensive stop to set up good field position for the offense’s first possession. On the 1st play of the 1st drive of 2017, Pickens pulled out the ole double pass play as Senior QB Jacob Brumby tossed it to Sophomore C.J. Streicher, who then launched it to Junior Trevon Hawkins for a 51-yard gain. Streicher put an end to the drive as he scored from 3-yds out to give the Dragons a 7-0 lead with 9:22 left in the opening quarter. After both teams played hot potato with the football, Pickens added to their lead after an 11-yd TD connection from Brumby to Junior Zach Goss, making it 14-0 with 1:31 left in the opening frame. :28 seconds later, the Cougars found the end zone for the first time on the night scoring on a 36-yd TD run. The ensuing 2-point conversion failed, & Pickens held a 14-6 lead, going to the 2nd.
Chattahoochee again would cut into the Dragons lead with a 22-yd run at the 10:42 mark of the 2nd quarter making it a 14-13 game. The Cougars used momentum gained to surge into the lead after a 27-yd field goal, giving them a 16-14 advantage with 4:26 left in the opening half. Seeing his team needed to take some of the momentum back, Junior RB Robert Davis electrified the away crowd with an incredible 82-yd scamper to the house, giving the Dragons the lead right back, 20-16 with 4:02 left in the 1st half. Pickens would then tack on another touchdown right before half as Brumby tossed his 2nd of the half, this time, to Sophomore Alex Snelgrove from 3-yds out, making it 27-16 Pickens at halftime.
The Dragons got the 2nd half kickoff and wasted little time adding to their two score lead as Davis took this one 94-yds to open the 3rd quarter, & giving Pickens a 34-16 lead over the Cougars. Pickens tacked on more at the 10:35 mark of the 3rd when Hawkins had his own 82-yd TD run, making it 41-16 Dragons. At the 7:05 mark in the 3rd, the 3rd time would be the charm for Davis as he took it in from 5-yds out, making it 47-16 Pickens. Chattahoochee got on the board for the first time in the 2nd half at the 3:44 mark of the 3rd with a 3-yd run to make it 47-24 Dragons. The Cougars cut into the Pickens lead a little more with a 49-yd TD pass, making it 47-30 Dragons going to the 4th & final quarter.
The lone score in the 4th quarter came from Hawkins as he marched in from 7-yds out at the 10:00 mark. Making it 54-30 Pickens. That would be the final score as the Dragons picked up a big road win to begin the season, 54-30 over the 6-A Chattahoochee Cougars. Pickens will have a bye week next week as they prepare for yet another tough road match up on September 1st as they take on 2-A top ten ranked Pepperell Dragons.
Pickens Stats Versus Chattahoochee
21 first downs, 4/8 on 3rd downs, 2/2 on 4th downs. 649 total yards on 61 plays for an average of 10.6 yards per play, 406 rushing yards on 42 carries for a 9.67 ypc average, & 243 passing yards on 19 attempts for a 12.7 average
Jacob Brumby: 11-18, 192 yards, & 2 TD. 61% completion percentage
C.J. Streicher: 1-1, 51 yards, 10 rushes for 50 yards (1TD), & 10 yards receiving on 1 catch (111 total yards)
Robert Davis: 11 rushes, 157 yards, 2 TD, & 2 kick returns for 113 yards & 1 TD (270 total yards)
Trevon Hawkins: 8 rushes, 123 yards, 2 TD, 1 catch for 51 yards, 4 total tackles, & 1 fumble recovery
Zach Goss: 6 catches, 146 yards, & 1 TD
Defensively, the Dragons forced four total turnovers, (2 fumbles & 2 interceptions)
Jay Jones: 11 total tackles, & 1 INT
Hunter Hermann: 9 total tackles
Boz Gayden: 8 total tackles
Michael Burrell: 6 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, & 6/8 on PAT
Kaleb Ray: 4 total tackles, & 1 INT
Zach Swaim: 3 total tackles & 1 sack
Dragons Finish Non-Region 2-2, Focus In On Region Play In Two Weeks
Team FYN Sports September 17, 2017
On Friday, the PHS Dragons varsity football team hosted the North Forsyth Raiders of the 7-A classification in the final non-region game of the regular season. Last year, these two teams came down to the wire with North Forsyth pulling it out late. The Dragons, looked to build off of their come from behind win over North Hall last week.
The Dragons began the game with the ball, but were forced to punt after going three & out. North Forsyth would then take advantage of a short punt to score the 1st touchdown of the game after a 12-yd run at the 9:04 mark of the opening quarter. Pickens answered back at the 5:59 mark when Senior Jacob Brumby connected with fellow Senior Josh Cain for a 21-yd TD, tying things up at 7 a piece. The tie only lasted :33 seconds though as the Raiders scored on an 80-yd TD run to reclaim the lead, 14-7 with 5:26 left in the 1st quarter. North Forsyth added to their lead just before the end of the quarter with a 5-yd TD pass. Going to the 2nd quarter, the Raiders lead the Dragons, 21-7.
In the 2nd, Pickens cut the North Forsyth lead down to 7 after Brumby lobbed it up to Junior Zach Goss Jr from 21-yds out. Goss Jr would then leap over the defender to make a spectacular catch at the 10:48 mark to make it 21-14 Raiders. The fun in the 2nd quarter, was only just beginning however. North Forsyth then stretched it back out to a two score advantage after a 15-yd TD pass at the 7:06 mark, making it 28-14. The Brumby & Goss Jr connection came together for a 2nd time on the night, this time from 20-yds out, making it 28-21 Raiders with 6:21 left in the 1st half. A fumble recovery by the Dragons on the ensuing kickoff gave them excellent field position as Junior Robert Davis took it to the house on a 31-yd TD run at the 6:02 mark to tie things up at 28. The tie would be broken very quickly however as North Forsyth scored on a 69-yd TD run at the 5:18 mark to make it 35-28. The Raiders then hit a 25-yd field goal just prior to halftime to take a 38-28 lead into the break.
The first score of the 2nd half came at the 5:35 mark of the 3rd after a 37-yd pass from the Raiders connected for the TD to make the score 45-28. North Forsyth again added to their lead at the 2:55 mark after a 30-yd TD pass made it 51-28, as we headed to the 4th quarter. The Raiders again found the end zone first in the 4th after a 30-yd TD run, stretching their lead out to 58-28 with 10:32 left in the game. The lone score in the 2nd half for the Dragons came at the 10:11 mark after an 80-yd TD run from Davis to make it 58-35 Raiders. North Forsyth would take this one by a final score of 58-35.
Stats
21 1st downs, 5/11 on 3rd down, 0/4 on 4th down, 70 plays, 595 total yards, 33 carries, 328 yards rushing, 37 passes, 267 passing yards, 1 INT, & 2 fumble recoveries
Passing
Jacob Brumby: 22-36, 267 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Robert Davis: 13 carries, 225 yards, 2 TD
Jacob Brumby: 11 carries, 36 yards
C.J. Streicher: 3 carries, 26 yards
Trevon Hawkins: 4 carries, 23 yards
Brady Moore: 2 carries, 18 yards
Receiving
Zach Goss Jr: 4 catches, 78 yards, 2 TD
Robert Davis: 6 catches,69 yards
Alex Snelgrove: 6 catches, 54 yards
Josh Cain: 3 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
Trevon Hawkins: 1 catch, 14 yards
Brady Moore: 2 catches, 4 yards
Defense
Jay Jones: 12 total tackles, 4 solo, 8 assisted, 1 INT, & 1 fumble recovery
Hunter Hermann: 11 total tackles, 6 solo, 5 assisted
Trevon Hawkins: 10 total tackles, 8 solo, 2 assisted
C.J. Streicher: 7 total tackles, 5 solo, 2 assisted, & 1 blocked PAT attempt
Kaleb Ray: 7 total tackles, 4 solo, 3 assisted, & 1 forced fumble
Special Teams
Michael Burrell: 2 punts for 56 yards, & 5/5 on PAT attempts
Trevon Hawkins: 4 kick off returns for 98 yards, & 1 punt return for 2 yards
Robert Davis: 2 kick off returns for 19 yards
The Dragons will be off next week as they get ready for 6-AAAA region play on the 29th when they host the Gilmer Bobcats for Homecoming.